Posts tagged ‘cheap’

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May 3, 2010

Peacock Plume

Lately the world has seemed pretty small–a former job applicant turned freelance writer and friend of mine in Austin is best friends with the roommate of a girlfriend of a friend of my boyfriend’s in Aspen who was in Austin this weekend for his birthday party. What the what? Then I got an email about a new boutique from a former roommate and high school friend of mine, and later got an email from a basketball teammate’s little sister who I CrossFit with now whose cousin opened a new boutique … and it was the same girl!

Peacock Plume is a new online-only boutique started by besties Holly and Cara, who have this to say for themselves:

Think of us as your personal fashion spam filter! We’ll sift through miles of racks filled with absurd prices and pieces you’d never wear so you don’t have to…

Our site is unique in that we are offering a boutique style shopping experience but we cut out the snobbery and high prices.

I think their site is unique because they offer super cute outfit combos and actually tell you where to wear them and how to buy them, for around $140 for everything: top & bottom or dress, shoes, purse, accessories. Think:

The ladies do have an eye for fashion on the cheap–women after my own heart.

And, they launched on Tuesday and by Friday had a D Magazine mention … no small feat for a startup company!

Check it out. Peacock Plume.

Posted in Good people/services, Shopping | 1 Comment »

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March 29, 2010

Yak Pak is Bak

Swag abounds during SXSW, so how does a company set itself out from the noise? Yak Pak–yes, the backpack staple–let its stylish, functional tote bags do the talking. They sweetly sent me one after SX to take for a spin, and after I used it as a weekender this past weekend, I can say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It’s perfectly functional and sublimely cute.

Things I love about the Tara Tote:

  • Perfect-length straps for a shoulder bag: not too long, not too short.
  • Tall and wide, but not too tall or too wide (perfect size).
  • Zip top and zip pocket inside.
  • Hip blue and white shadow plaid!
  • ONLY $25!!! (ok, so I didn’t buy mine, but I WOULD)

And to top that all off, apparently the rappers love the Yak Pak, which makes sweet–and cheap–luggage, purses, messengers, and of course the ubiquitous backpack … check out who is carrying the Laptop Shoulder Bag:

Pitbull Lil Jon

AWESOME!

Posted in fashion | 2 Comments »

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February 23, 2010

Bad to the Bone … Bbbbbad …

Quite literally, the three chefs involved in this Bad to the Bone Throwdown are about three of the biggest stars the entire state of Texas has … so the chance to taste their food in a competition means one happy belly.

Each chef will choose a preferred ingredient, then will create a dish that includes all three of the chef-picked ingredients which could range anywhere from peanuts to oysters.

Audience participants and a panel of noted culinary experts will sample the dishes and use live text voting to determine the winning chef. A live video feed will project all of the kitchen stage action onto Stubb’s stage canopy so the audience can see close-ups of the food preparation as well as the live feed for the text voting results. The DJ, el john Selector, will be spinning bad-to-the-bone soul, funk and world beats to keep the tempo pumping until final votes have been cast.

Once the winner is announced, the evening melds into a rockin’ live concert with Charanga Cakewalk, a seven-piece Latin band featuring master multi-instrumentalist Michael Ramos and known for pan-Latin tunes that dive into deep, urban grooves.

On tap:

  • David Bull, named as one of Food & Wine magazine’s Top Ten Best New Chefs in 2003; now Bolla at the Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas’ executive chef. Author of Bull’s Eye on Food Interactive Cookbook and former executive chef at The Driskill Grill in Austin.
  • Shawn Cirkiel, executive chef of Austin’s Parkside Restaurant, recently named by Bon Appetit magazine as one of the “Hot 10 New American Taverns”
  • Paul Petersen, star of TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters and author of Keeper of the Flame Interactive Cookbook. Petersen was also former executive chef of Café Cenzio at the Gage Hotel.

Originally scheduled for Jan 15 but rained out, Bad to the Bone is this Saturday, Feb 27th, still at Stubb’s. Tickets are $35 and available at www.stubbsaustin.com. Ticket sales will benefit the Sustainable Food Center which helps more than 20,000 Central Texans access healthy, affordable and locally grown food annually.

$35 a ticket is a veritable steal for the food of these fellas.

Posted in Eating, Going Out | 5 Comments »

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February 16, 2010

Sushi sushi sushi

Mmmm sushi. I love it. Just wanted to revisit two of my absolute faves in Austin (an no, I still haven’t been to Mushashino or either of the two new down south sushi joints. I know, I have a lot of sushiing to do.)

Snow Pea

I’ve written about it as my secret sushi spot and the source of my lunch bento indulgence, but I finally got to check out Snow Pea for happy hour. Prices are fairly cheap–the boring rolls (tuna, california) can be had for $3, sashimi for $2-$4, and fancy-schmancy rolls for $5-9, which is a good deal. Sake half off, domestics $2, imports $3 (no liquor). Our faves were the Foxy Lady roll (spicy awesomeness that managed not to distract from the freshness of the fish):

and one of the Dragons … Green? White? It had eel on top, which I normally don’t like, but we ordered TWO of this baby for the THREE of us, so someone must have been eating her share …

Check out Snow Pea … love!

Piranha Killer Sushi

I cheated on Snow Pea for lunch downtown with a friend at Piranha Killer Sushi (link to my first review). We ordered:

Sushi Bento – tuna roll, five sushi and daily salads — 11.95
Sashimi Bento – California roll, seven sashimi and daily salads — 12.95

and, the star of the show: Salmon Ceviche with Jalapeno, Cilantro & Mango — 11.95

Let me be brief: Piranha’s prepared raw fishes (ie not sashimi, but their ceviches and tatakis and seared things) are their best, and perhaps the best.

This salmon’s flavor was out of this world. Sure, I love the sweet stickiness of a sushi roll with rice, and the raw fish in my bento was fresh and delightful, but the salmon ceviche was absolutely amazing. Order it. Or any of their other raw fishes. YUM!

… I’m really craving sushi now.

Posted in Eating | 1 Comment »

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January 15, 2010

LivingSocial – new social coupon site launching soon

LivingSocial is a new Daily Deal site–think Groupon–that will launch any day now. Aren’t you glad you know me so you can know about it ahead of time?!

Each day, LivingSocial members will receive a deal with discounts of 50% or more at local restaurants, bars, salons, spas, theaters, events, and more.  When you see a deal that tickles your fancy, you do this:

  • BUY. Get in on the deal of the day
  • SHARE. If 3 of your friends buy the same deal, you get 1 FREE
  • WAIT. Your deal will be ready to print within 1 business day
  • PRINT. Follow the instructions on your deal and redeem it
  • SAVE. Enjoy your favorite spots around town at huge discounts
LivingSocial is similar to Groupon in that it is a service that provides subscribers unbelievable daily discounts to the best restaurants, bars, spas, events, and shows in your city. But it’s different in that it utilizes social media like Facebook, Twitter, and the iPhone both to deliver daily deals and – most importantly? – to let users share with their networks so more people can get in on each deal. Sharing is so central to LivingSocial that if you buy a deal, then get three friends to buy the same deal, yours is free!

In that vein, if you join their referral program, “Invite Friends, Share $10,” you’re assigned a personal URL (each member of LivingSocial Deals is). You share your link through facebook, twitter, by email and through blogs. Each person that signs up through your link will get $5 Deal Bucks to spend on their first purchase. When they spend it, you’ll get $5 Deal Bucks too!

Sign up using my link! https://deals.livingsocial.com/redeem/538926-lyssam?ref=lnk

Also of note: launching in March, Localiter.com will also offer discounts and deals on local business, harnessing our collective buying power. Awesome! More details to come.

Posted in Business, Going Out, Good people/services | 2 Comments »

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December 15, 2009

So hot: Taste the entire Carillon for $30!

Chef Josh Watkins is a little bit of a local legend, a young phenom who took over the storied Driskill Grill in 2007, only to leave in 2008 for the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center. There he heads up 4 restaurants and 50 staff members, but the Carillon is the flagship.

Tomorrow, Dec 16, through Saturday, Dec 19, you can enjoy a HUGE tasting menu of his faves for just $30. I mean, read the thing: hamachi, scallops, pork belly? Mero, NY strip? Parsnips? Goat cheese cheesecake? Sounds freakin’ amazing to me. I’ve never eaten there, but I suggest you get thee to the Carillon fast. And report back, please.

Posted in Eating | 5 Comments »

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November 2, 2009

1/2 price drinks for Yelp Drinks Week Nov. 1-5

We are now in the midst of Yelp Drinks Week.

YELP DRINKS is, like all the restaurant weeks and FLAVORS and all, a chance to try new stuff, only this time it’s frosty bevvies. Participating locations will feature up to 3 adult beverages for 50% off throughout the promotion.

1) Yelp Drinks prices are good all day Sunday through all day Thursday while supplies last. Though we’re calling this a happy hour, it’s better — this one lasts for five days.
2) Please tip on regular price.
3) Please consume responsibly.

A list of the places:

LA CONDESA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Enlightened Austin Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
El Cubico (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6 <—- my fave!!
 Las Ascendentes (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6

CEDAR DOOR
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Austin Ultimate Mexican Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Treaty Oak Lemonade Martini  (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Pinky Friedman (reg $11) During YDW $5.50

MAX’S WINE DIVE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sangria Max (blend of red + white wines w/ select fruit juices)(reg $6) During YDW $3
Luxury White (Cape Mentelle Chard) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50
Luxury Red (Beringer Knights Valley Cab) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50

CISSI’S WINE BAR
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sake Mojito (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88
Sangria (reg $5) During YDW $2.50
Spiced Apple Cider (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88

ROARING FORK (Downtown)
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Huckleberry Rita (reg $7) During YDW $3.50
Blackberry Madras (reg $8) During YDW  $4
Category 6 Lemonade (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

MARKER 10
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Dr. Tito’s (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Candy Corn (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks  $5
Pumpkin Espresso Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks $6

HOUSE WINE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
2006 Zinfandel, Cycles Falcon, California
Reg. $9 glass / During YDW: $4.50

2006 Tempranillo, Tinto, Paso A Paso, Spain
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

2008 Reisling, The Stump Jump, Australia
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

NOMAD
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Pisco Sour (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Caphirinha (reg. $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Fernet and Coke (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50

PAGGI HOUSE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Raspberry Lemonade (reg $8) During YDW $4
Elderflower Royale (reg $10) During YDW $5
Blood Orange Margarita (reg $8) During YDW $4

IMPERIA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Kung Fu Cosmopolitan (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Imperia Pearl (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Jade Martini (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

THE BELMONT
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Belmontini (reg $10) During YDW $5
Classic Mojito (reg $8.50) During YDW $4.25
French 77 (reg $12) During YDW $6

ANNIE’S
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
The Old Austin (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
The Diablo (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50

DRUNGO ICE HOUSE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
512 Wit  (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Austin Amber $3.75 (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Drungo Michelada (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88

BUFFALO BILLIARDS
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Raspberry Lemonade (regular price is $5.50) / YDW $4.25
Peach Tea (regular price is $5.50) / During YDW $4.25
Pyramid Hefeweizen (regular price is $4) / During YDW $2

EDDIE V’S (Arboretum)
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
The Red Dragon Mojito – (reg. $8)  / During YDW $4
Mayfair Martini – (reg. $10) / During YDW $5
Purpletini – (reg. $9)  / During YDW $4.50

CLUB DE VILLE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Margarita (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
Lone Star (reg price $3)  / During YDW $1.50
Jager (reg price $6)  / During YDW $3

THE GINGER MAN
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Deschutes Black Butte Porter (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Sunner Original German Kolsh (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50

THE GHOST ROOM
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
XX (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
Shiner (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
(well) vodka & soda (reg $4) / during YDW: $2

CHUPACABRA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Frozen Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Spicy Mango Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Frozen Sweet Tea Vodka (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75

MIZU
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Lychee Mint Martini (reg $9) / during YDW: $4.50
Chile Patron: (reg $12) / during YDW: $6
Mizu Margarita (frozen): (reg $8) / during YDW: $4

Posted in Going Out, Things to Do! | 1 Comment »

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October 30, 2009

I am a beer bottle. (The tale of a Playback t-shirt)

After reading about Playback recycled bottle and cotton tees, I couldn’t resist ordering one for me and one for the (Ver)monster. Luckily, they came in the mail right before I had to go to an early Halloween party that I was NOT ready to dress up for … so I wore this lovely light brown shirt. When people asked, “why aren’t you in costume?” I replied oh-so-wittily:

I am a beer bottle. My shirt is made of 100% recycled beer bottles.

They laughed and seemed appeased. Turns out my shirt is made of recycled cotton as well as beer bottles, so the 100% wasn’t true, but close enough. The other one I bought is made of recycled soda bottles:

Playback t-shirt

Each PLAYBACK recycled PET bottle t-shirts are made from the equivalent of 8.5 twenty oz plastic bottles. Our process of buying recycled bottles for our t-shirts helps divert waste from landfill and contributes to an overall economy of upcycling.

A tee is only $22, a sweatshirt only $55.

Playback

From the site:

Environmental Concern

Our founder, Adam Siskind, started PLAYBACK after being inspired by Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth (We told you we were honest). After watching the film, Adam realized the recycled yarn he had been using for almost a decade in his clothing business was the most sustainable, environmentally-friendly material around (talk about an “A-HA” moment). As a textile engineer, Adam examined other “eco” brands on the market, and realized that many of their claims about sustainability told an incomplete story. As a result, PLAYBACK was born: An apparel brand that makes its practices transparent and strives to tell the truth about “green” clothing manufacture.

Fabric Innovation

We make our recycled fabrics truly unique by introducing color, texture, and pattern to a sustainable apparel market that (in our opinion, anyway) is a little too bland and boring. We want to push the boundaries of eco-apparel in a way that promotes quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Who We Are

We are not a company of ardent environmentalists here to condemn every iota of energy used or plastic fork in existence. It is not a requirement that everyone working for us to wear Birkenstocks, go kayaking, and eat granola. We are regular people trying to make our collective way of life a little better for the environment.

Check it out for yourself: http://shop.playbackclothing.com/

UPDATE:

WHAT:     25% OFF ALL PLAYBACK STYLES AND SIZES
WHEN:     NOV 17TH TO NOV 30TH
WHERE:   PLAYBACKCLOTHING.COM
HOW:       ENTER COUPON CODE: ‘WORD09′

As a way thank our customers, PLAYBACK is offering 25% off all styles and sizes. So visit our store, tell your friends and family about us, and enjoy 25% off our one of a kind recycled bottle T-shirts (made from recycled plastic bottles) and our unique dual contrast colored sweatshirts (70% recycled cotton / 30% recycled polyester) as worn by Katie Holmes and Adrian Grenier.

Posted in fashion, Good people/services | 1 Comment »

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September 28, 2009

It’s Go Texas Week this week!

Hot on the heels of Austin Restaurant Week, we have the slightly-different Go Texas Week this week, where restaurants put together prix-fixe meals featuring ALL local (to Texas) ingredients. It’s a fun twist, and can still be a really great deal. Speaking of great deals, look for a forthcoming post on FLAVORS of Austin, a similar thing …

Anyway, the list of restaurants is here: http://www.gotexan.org/restaurantroundup/hill-country.html#austin

And then there’s also the unique spin of Go Texas Beer week at Opal Divine’s: $2.50 Texas Beers all week!

Opal Divine’s is going BIG by putting ALL Texas Beers on every tap the week of Sept 28 through Oct 2nd. Michael Parker, owner of the Opal Divine’s restaurant/bars, gave himself a Texas-sized task: to fill every tap with a Texas beer. That’s something like 37 taps! Real Ale of Blanco will have nine offerings, Austin’s own 512 will have seven, and then you’ve got your Live Oak, your Independence and so on. And they’ll be tapping a Texas cask every night at 7pm. $2.50 pints all week, with 5 percent of proceeds going to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Texas Beers on tap from: Live Oak Brewing, 512 Brewing, Independence Brewing, Real Ale Brewing (Blanco, TX), Shiner Beers (Shiner, TX), Lone Star Beer (Ft. Worth, TX)

OPAL’S LOCATIONS:

North: Marina. 12709 Mopac at Parmer Ln. Austin, Tx 78727. (512)733-5353
Downtown: Freehouse. 700 W 6th St. Austin, Tx 78701. (512)477-3308
South: Penn Field. 3601 S. Congress. Austin, Tx 78704. (512) 707-0237

Posted in Eating, Going Out, Good people/services, Things to do ... all the time | 2 Comments »

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September 15, 2009

Massage for the Cure

Last minute notice, but Massage Envy’s Massage for the Cure is TODAY.

At any Austin massage Envy, you can get a one-hour massage at a discounted rate of $35, $10 of which will be donated to the local affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Awesome!

Check out my review of masseuse Chad at the ArborWalk Massage Envy here.

Posted in Beauty, Sports/Fitness | Leave a Comment »

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